A partial talent was certainly inferior to a complete one, but at least it wasn't a temporary talent. Regardless, having it was better than not having it. He would use it for now, and when the time was right, the partial talent would naturally be completed.
Caleb looked delightedly at his newly acquired talent, filled with excitement. Powerful individuals like Tsubaki Shinra and the girls from the anime were truly unique. The partial Mirror Reflection talent was more powerful than any other talent he had gained previously. Reflecting 20% of the damage taken was like wearing a minor 'Thornmail' armor. This was only the partial version; a complete Mirror Reflection talent would surely return at least half the damage, if not all of it.
During the break, Caleb found a few lucky students to test the ability on. The results were pleasing. Although the Mirror Reflection talent didn't enhance Caleb's own defense or reduce damage, it was a passive skill that could be permanently active. Furthermore, it could reflect any type of damage, whether the target was living or inanimate. The only minor drawback was that it didn't function like Thornmail, locking onto the damage source for reflection. 20% of the damage Caleb received was returned as an invisible energy counterattack. It was fast, but not guaranteed to hit. The stronger the enemy's power, the lower the chance of the reflected damage connecting.
Seeing the delinquents' utterly bewildered expressions, Caleb magnanimously declared that he wouldn't hold their previous rudeness against them. All they had to do was take one punch from him, and the matter would be resolved.
The "lucky students" were furious. They were in the middle of a peaceful extortion, and Caleb not only interrupted them but then spoke to them like that. Don't delinquents have any self-respect? Consequently, the lucky students each received a complimentary hospital stay package.
3:00 PM.
Caleb entered the Student Council room again under the envious and hateful gazes of his peers. All the way there, Tsubaki Shinra and Akeno Himejima walked arm-in-arm with him, one on each side.
I can only look, not eat, and I'm being stared at by a bunch of people with murderous intent… Feeling the warmth, fragrance, and constant soft pressure from his sides, Caleb was in agonizing bliss.
When the trio arrived, Sona Shitori and Rias had already prepared black tea. The two of them were quietly enjoying the view outside the window, serenely sipping their tea.
"President, Rias-senpai, good afternoon."
Caleb greeted them and joined the afternoon tea party with a beauty on each arm. High-born ladies were truly a different breed. Every aspect, from their posture to their conversation, exuded refinement. Their backs were straight, their full chests rose and fell subtly, and their long legs were neatly crossed at an angle. Delicate, fair hands raised the porcelain cup with the gold rim, bringing it smoothly to their lips. Red, thin lips parted slightly to blow away the steam.
The beautiful scene was like a painting. Even though this wasn't the first time he had seen it, Caleb still couldn't take his eyes off them. No matter when he looked or how many times he looked, they made him utterly mesmerized.
Noticing Caleb's entranced state, Rias gently set down her teacup and smiled slightly. "Uesugi-kun, it's been a few days. Have you decided who you'll choose?"
As beautiful as they were, while it reinforced Caleb's determination to possess them, it wasn't enough to change his mind. The Honey Trap? I'll gladly accept the "Honey" part. As for the "Trap"... get lost.
Caleb gave an innocent smile, shyly scratching his head. "Rias-senpai, I still haven't made up my mind..."
Rias rolled her eyes. He's still playing dumb. After observing him for the past few days, Caleb was certainly not a simpleton; he was as cunning as a fox.
"Don't even think about getting the best of both worlds," Rias said testily. "However, before we use up all our Evil Pieces, you are welcome to join whenever you've decided."
Sona Shitori nodded. They had already given Caleb enough face. If he insisted on delaying, they wouldn't force the issue. In recruiting a familiar, mutual willingness was very important. Taking on a familiar who was disloyal or inherently rebellious was worse than not taking one at all.
Caleb smiled widely and remained silent. Dragging things out was perfectly fine. He could use this opportunity to get close to the beautiful girls on both sides. While he would miss out on tangible resources, if he could use this time to win them over and acquire their talents, it was still a net gain for Caleb.
After the perfunctory inquiry, Rias immediately got to the topic of the day. "Sona, have you thought of a way to identify the three suspects?"
"No good solution yet."
Sona Shitori frowned. This issue had been bothering her all day. "Furthermore, unless we find crucial evidence or the person admits it themselves, even if we confirm who did it, we can't expel them."
"Your Student Council might not have a way, but the Occult Research Club does."
Rias said dismissively, "There are plenty of ways to teach them a lesson and make them voluntarily withdraw from school."
Sona Shitori wanted to say something, but she held back. Her position dictated her actions. As Student Council President, she couldn't support or personally engage in such actions. If she were discovered, it would be self-sabotage, and no one would heed the Student Council's authority again.
But Rias was different. She was merely the club president of an almost-defunct club. Moreover, as the next head of the Gremory family, no one would criticize her for being slightly out of line—and no one would dare to. Rias was the embodiment of "having both power and influence."
Caleb's eyes lit up. The sooner this matter was resolved, the better. Rias and Sona Shitori wouldn't keep focusing on it indefinitely. Once their initial anger passed and Caleb still hadn't given an answer, they would undoubtedly drop the issue. Without their help, finding the "rat" targeting him alone would be nearly impossible. That's why Caleb had suggested such a violent solution this morning. Simple and crude often meant cutting the Gordian knot.
Sona Shitori hadn't agreed and had Tsubaki Shinra drag him away. However, it now seemed highly likely that Rias would agree to his method.
Under Sona Shitori's speechless gaze, Caleb excitedly repeated his suggestion from the morning.
"Hmm, that's not impossible."
Rias chuckled softly. "But..."
As everyone knew, everything said before "but" was usually irrelevant. Rias stated that it was possible, but it would damage the reputation of the Occult Research Club and even herself. Caleb was just a junior she had only known for a few days; why should she go to such lengths? If Caleb were her familiar, then as his master, it would be her duty. She would send people to capture all three suspects and drag them to the Occult Research Club. A few spells, and the truth would immediately be revealed.
Caleb's face fell. If sweet-talking didn't work, then coercion was next. But he wasn't the kind of person to yield so easily.
"If Rias-senpai isn't willing to help, I'll handle it myself."
Caleb was eager to test the limits of his new, immensely powerful talent.
"However, I hope Rias-senpai and the President can help me clean up the mess afterward."